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Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering
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Articles 1 - 30 of 53
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Integration And Enhancement Of The Saber Wargame, Karl S. Mathias
Integration And Enhancement Of The Saber Wargame, Karl S. Mathias
Theses and Dissertations
The Saber wargame is a theater-level air/land battle wargame written in Ada that is being developed for the Air Force Wargaming Center at Maxwell AFB, AL. This thesis documents how the user interface and simulation engine were integrated. Integration was accomplished by developing a portable object-oriented database system (OODBMS) interface. The interface was implemented in Ada and tied to an OODBMS also written in Ada. Using the interface, both subsystems were able to work from a consistent database and exchange information. The user interface was enhanced by converting it from the Software Technology for Adaptable Reliable Systems Ada/X Window System …
Synthetic Battlebridge: Information Visualization And User Interface Design Applications In A Large Virtual Reality Environment, Kirk G. Wilson
Synthetic Battlebridge: Information Visualization And User Interface Design Applications In A Large Virtual Reality Environment, Kirk G. Wilson
Theses and Dissertations
With shrinking budgets and fewer personnel, future military training will rely heavily on simulated environments. The goal for this training is to reduce cost while maintaining readiness and unparalleled capability for all levels of military command. This thesis effort, the Synthetic Battle Bridge SBB , provides a real-time simulated environment for military commanders to observe on-going computer simulations of varying participation levels and helps them wring the most from a simulation. The SBB, designed for higher ranking personnel with little time to spend learning how to run the system, must exhibit three capabilities ease-of-use, long-term retention, and adaptability. Based on …
An Evaluation Of The Software Engineering Institute's Capability Maturity Model As A Framework For Software Process Improvement At Three Air Logistics Centers, Brian G. Hermann, Raymond J. Lewis Jr.
An Evaluation Of The Software Engineering Institute's Capability Maturity Model As A Framework For Software Process Improvement At Three Air Logistics Centers, Brian G. Hermann, Raymond J. Lewis Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
This research sought to determine whether a relationship exists between the maturity level of the software process, as determined by the Software Engineering Institutes Capability Maturity Model SEI CMM, and the actual success of particular software projects at three US Air Force Air Logistics Centers. Project success is defined in terms of cost, schedule, and quality criteria. In addition, each organizations acceptance of the SEI assessment as well as its effectiveness in setting up follow-on process improvement programs were evaluated. Finally, the process improvement programs were reviewed individually inasmuch as these programs are the mechanisms for achieving improved quality, lower …
Automating Satellite Range Scheduling, S. Michael Schalck
Automating Satellite Range Scheduling, S. Michael Schalck
Theses and Dissertations
The objective of this study was to develop a computer based satellite range scheduling SRS algorithm to create a 24 hour satellite support schedule. The algorithms goal was to schedule as many satellite support requests as possible. An iterative heuristic approach was used to schedule satellite support requests in three successive sub problems. The first sub problem involves scheduling low altitude satellite support requests using a mixed integer programming approach. The next two sub problems each involve scheduling 12 hour blocks of medium and high altitude satellite support requests, again using a mixed integer programming approach. Fourteen 24 hour schedules …
Measuring User Satisfaction Of The Electronic Mail System At Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters As An Indicator Of The System's Effectiveness, Randall R. Bradford
Measuring User Satisfaction Of The Electronic Mail System At Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters As An Indicator Of The System's Effectiveness, Randall R. Bradford
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the electronic mail system at the Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters. User satisfaction was measured as an indicator of the systems effectiveness. In order to provide an objective measurement of system effectiveness, the following research questions were addressed: (1) What is system effectiveness in relation to this particular electronic mail system, and how should it be measured? (2) What measurement instruments can be adapted, modified, or created to measure effectiveness as it is defined for problem? (3) If a measurement instrument is administered what do the results of the …
Guidelines For Ensuring Software Supportability In Systems Developed Under The Integrated Weapon System Management Concept, Forrest F. Butts Iii, Anthony C. Johndro
Guidelines For Ensuring Software Supportability In Systems Developed Under The Integrated Weapon System Management Concept, Forrest F. Butts Iii, Anthony C. Johndro
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis studied the software maintenance planning and practices of the pilot Integrated Weapon System Management IWSM programs. Before IWSM, a System Program Office SPO acquired an Air Force weapon system then passed it to an Air Logistics Center ALC for follow-on support. The ALC was forced to maintain the software despite its questionable maintainability. The SPO de- emphasized maintainability because maintenance was an ALC responsibility and building maintainable software increased development costs and lengthened schedules. The IWSM philosophy closes the gap between development and maintenance. A System Program Director SPD, who oversees both system development and maintenance, has an …
The Application Of Simulated Annealing To Stochastic Systems, Charles B. Warrender
The Application Of Simulated Annealing To Stochastic Systems, Charles B. Warrender
Theses and Dissertations
Simulated Annealing was used to optimize three constrained simulation models. For each of these models, seven different acceptance functions were evaluated and compared against the performance of Local Search. These comparisons demonstrated the affect that different acceptance functions have on the performance of the algorithm. The performance was measured by the average solution quality and average efficiency obtained from several runs. The first model facilitated the implementation of Simulated Annealing using the SLAM simulation language. The configuration space was small, described by only two decision variables. It demonstrated the viability of using Simulated Annealing to optimize the variable settings in …
A Decision Support Model Using Life Cycle Cost (Lcc) Analysis To Select Cost-Effective Alternatives For Hazardous Materials, Blaine F. Burley, Kirk A. Phillips
A Decision Support Model Using Life Cycle Cost (Lcc) Analysis To Select Cost-Effective Alternatives For Hazardous Materials, Blaine F. Burley, Kirk A. Phillips
Theses and Dissertations
This research focuses on the development of a decision support model to select cost-effective alternatives for hazardous materials using life cycle cost (LCC) analysis. The model provides an effective decision-making tool to evaluate the economic feasibility of using alternatives for hazardous materials. Given a specific operation, the users of this model can enter site-specific cost data to determine the total LCCs of using baseline hazardous materials (i.e., hazardous materials currently being used in an operation), as well as the total LCCs of using various alternatives. This thesis postulates that the material having the lowest total LCC is considered to be …
A Parametric Regression Of The Cost Of Base Realignment Action (Cobra) Model, Douglas Hardman, Michael Nelson
A Parametric Regression Of The Cost Of Base Realignment Action (Cobra) Model, Douglas Hardman, Michael Nelson
Theses and Dissertations
This study develops a parametric model that is capable of generating accurate estimates of the costs to close Air Force installations. The new model is based upon, but much simpler to use than, the Cost of Base Realignment Action (COBRA) model. COBRA is an economic cost analysis model that requires a minimum of 250 inputs and as many as 700 inputs. The new parametric model requires just 10 input variables and was developed using least squares multiple regression. Comparison of the new parametric model to COBRA indicates that it captures 91 percent of the variance in cost estimates generated by …
Schedule Estimating Relationships For The Engineering And Manufacturing Development Of Bomber, Transport, Tanker And Surveillance Aircraft Systems, D. Scott Boyd, Brian D. Mundt
Schedule Estimating Relationships For The Engineering And Manufacturing Development Of Bomber, Transport, Tanker And Surveillance Aircraft Systems, D. Scott Boyd, Brian D. Mundt
Theses and Dissertations
This study developed parametric schedule estimating relationships (SERs) for the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase for nontactical aircraft systems. The potential value of this nontraditional approach to estimating schedule duration has been established by previous applications to tactical aircraft, air-launched munitions, and office buildings. Prior research suggested acquisition strategy parameters to be significant schedule drivers. For this study, data on EMD milestone dates and potential schedule drivers were collected on 56 bomber, transport, tanker, and surveillance aircraft systems. Several SERs were developed for these systems using linear regression analysis. The EMD phase was divided into subphases based on significant …
Software Cost Estimating Models: A Comparative Study Of What The Models Estimate, George A. Coggins, Roy C. Russell
Software Cost Estimating Models: A Comparative Study Of What The Models Estimate, George A. Coggins, Roy C. Russell
Theses and Dissertations
This effort developed a consolidated document which highlights and examines differences in definitions, assumptions, and methodologies used by the REVIC, SASET, PRICES, and SEER-SEM cost models. The following research questions were investigated: (1) What differences exist between the cost models? (2) How do these differences impact the resulting estimates? (3) To what degree can we explain and adjust for known differences between the cost models? Seven specific areas were addressed: (1) software development phases, (2) development activities and cost elements, (3) source lines of code and language differences, (4) key model attributes and key cost drivers, (5) implications of Project …
Pollution Prevention Incentives For Major Weapon System Programs, Donna C. Heinz, Dudley C. Wireman
Pollution Prevention Incentives For Major Weapon System Programs, Donna C. Heinz, Dudley C. Wireman
Theses and Dissertations
This research was undertaken to identify positive incentives that would motivate both government personnel and contractors to incorporate pollution prevention into the early design phases of weapon system acquisitions. The adoption and implementation of such incentives would allow the Air Force to reach pollution prevention objectives more efficiently. A literature search revealed little information on the pollution prevention program in the military. In contrast much information was found concerning military cleanup activities. As a result, in-depth personal interviewing was used to measure pollution prevention awareness in Aeronautical Systems Center program offices. Interviews, analysis, and comparisons were made between three groups …
An Investigation Of Alternative Metamodels For The Theater Simulation Of Airbase Resources Model, Alistair G. Dally
An Investigation Of Alternative Metamodels For The Theater Simulation Of Airbase Resources Model, Alistair G. Dally
Theses and Dissertations
This study is an exploratory investigation into the development of metamodels of a particular Theater Simulation of Airbase Resources (TSAR) simulation model. Techniques applicable to the development of metamodels from a simulation using an orthogonal two-level fractional factorial experimental design are discussed. The experimental design is found to limit the metamodel form to polynomial linear least squares regression models, and also to greatly simplify the process of building regression models. Using the simulation results from previous research, alternate metamodels are proposed for both the prediction of sorties generated by the airbase system, as modeled by the simulation; and to assist …
Repair Process Improvement At The Ogden Air Logistics Center, Landing Gear Division: A Case Study In The Application Of The Theory Of Constraints, David A. Maddox, Susan L. Martz
Repair Process Improvement At The Ogden Air Logistics Center, Landing Gear Division: A Case Study In The Application Of The Theory Of Constraints, David A. Maddox, Susan L. Martz
Theses and Dissertations
This study explored the nature and extent of success that resulted from the implementation of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) in a depot repair environment. The actions taken to implement TOC were determined. Performance measures which defined success were identified and data were collected and summarized to demonstrate performance before and after implementation of TOC concepts. Improvements in flowdays and work-in-process (WIP) were determined to be attributable to the TOC effort. In addition, the unique characteristics of probabalistic repair and supply system variability were noted as those characteristics that posed the greatest challenges to implementing TOC in a remanufacturing environment. …
A Comparison Of The Disaster™ Scheduling Software With A Simultaneous Scheduling Algorithm For Minimizing Maximum Tardiness In Job Shops, Barak J. Carlson, Christopher A. Lettiere
A Comparison Of The Disaster™ Scheduling Software With A Simultaneous Scheduling Algorithm For Minimizing Maximum Tardiness In Job Shops, Barak J. Carlson, Christopher A. Lettiere
Theses and Dissertations
The Theory of Constraints (TOC) is the foundation for a computerized scheduling system called DISASTER. Although this system has proven successful in many manufacturing settings, it has potential limitations due to the sequential heuristic process by which it schedules constraints. The objective of this thesis was to determine the extent to which these limitations impact the due date performance of schedules created by DISASTER. This objective was addressed by developing an algorithm to simultaneously schedule multiple constraints in a job shop environment and provide the optimal schedule for minimized maximum tardiness. This algorithm was used to obtain solutions for a …
An Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of The Air Force Drug Testing Program And Four Potential Modifications, Thomas R. Doster, Hubert A. Ross
An Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of The Air Force Drug Testing Program And Four Potential Modifications, Thomas R. Doster, Hubert A. Ross
Theses and Dissertations
This study evaluated the 1992 USAF Drug Testing Program and potential improvements, based on the number of drug users detected, cost, and legal issues. Four potential improvements were examined: (1) increasing the annual amount of random urinalysis; (2) increasing the proportion of commander-directed testing; (3) using a weighted selection technique, and (4) replacing urinalysis with hair testing. For each improvement, the researchers used test and survey results to estimate the number of drug users detected, a cost formula to estimate any changes in cost, and interviews with legal experts to identify any legal issues associated with implementing the modification. Researchers …
Benchmark Production Scheduling Problems For Job Shops With Interactive Constraints, Stewart W. James, Bruno A. Mediate Jr.
Benchmark Production Scheduling Problems For Job Shops With Interactive Constraints, Stewart W. James, Bruno A. Mediate Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
United States Air Force (USAF) depots have expressed interest in utilizing DISASTER production scheduling software to schedule their maintenance operations. DISASTER attempts to increase system throughput by building effective schedules for system, constraint resources. However, when a system contains multiple, interactive constraints, DISASTER builds the constraint schedules one at a time. Since each successive schedule must adhere to timing restrictions imposed by previous constraint schedules, the quality of the schedules produced by DISASTER is dependent upon the sequence in which the constraints are scheduled. This thesis first developed a set of benchmark problems which provide a diversity of scheduling scenarios. …
An Investigation Of Integrated Product Development Implementation Issues: A Case Study Of Bosma Machine And Tool Corp, F. Paul Khuri, Howard M. Plevyak Jr.
An Investigation Of Integrated Product Development Implementation Issues: A Case Study Of Bosma Machine And Tool Corp, F. Paul Khuri, Howard M. Plevyak Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis investigated Integrated Product Development (IPD) implementation issues. Research emphasis focused on teams used in IPD, particularly self-directed work teams (SDWTs). The areas addressed in the study were: Work Environment, Team Organization, Training and Education, Group Dynamics and Communication, Motivation, Rewards and Incentives, Measurements, and Contracts. Data was collected using interviews and presented as a case study. The most significant findings on work environment were that the organization's leadership should commit to the teaming idea and sell it to the organization's members. Teams should be organized by choosing members carefully and defining all roles. Personnel should be trained in …
An Independent Evaluation Of Information Systems Support Of The Joint Forces Air Component Commander Concept Of Operations, Gregory R. Kincaid, Richard A. Poligala
An Independent Evaluation Of Information Systems Support Of The Joint Forces Air Component Commander Concept Of Operations, Gregory R. Kincaid, Richard A. Poligala
Theses and Dissertations
This study examines automated Air Tasking Order (ATO) generation and dissemination under the Joint Forces Air Component Commander (JFACC) concept, focusing on an evaluation of information systems support given the differing service philosophies concerning control of tactical air assets. Current Department of Defense doctrine identifies the Contingency Tactical Air Control System Automated System (CTAPS) as the standard automated system for Theater Battle Management planning for the JFACC. To achieve service interoperability, the doctrine requires the use of CTAPS for ATO generation and dissemination when joint operations are conducted under the JFACC concept. A problem arises in that CTAPS is developed …
Scheduling A Medium-Sized Manufacturing Shop: A Simulation Study, Daniel J. Mcfeely
Scheduling A Medium-Sized Manufacturing Shop: A Simulation Study, Daniel J. Mcfeely
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined the application of simple-to-use, low cost scheduling methods to the operating environment of a medium-sized manufacturing shop. Computer simulation was used to evaluate eighteen different scheduling algorithms, each the result of the combination of a loading and a sequencing rule; due date setting was not considered since due dates are exogenously set. The loading rules investigated were Minimum Machine Required, Lowest Average WIP, and Lowest Average Aggregate Priority Level. The sequencing rules investigated were Priority, EDD, FIS, SPT, Slack, and Slack Ratio. The scheduling algorithms were evaluated against performance measures of mean tardiness, mean flowtime, mean percentage …
An Investigation Of Integrated Product Development Teams Of The F-22 Program, Gary F. Wagner, Randall L. White
An Investigation Of Integrated Product Development Teams Of The F-22 Program, Gary F. Wagner, Randall L. White
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated Integrated Product Development (IPD) at the F-22 System Program Office (SPO). A literature review revealed the key IPD characteristics of organizational structure, communication, intense up-front planning, training, integrated management tools, and lessons learned. The research method was twenty-two personal interviews of SPO subjects selected from four IPD teams, the front office, and functional support divisions. Key findings included an emphasis on up-front planning to establish an organizational and contractual structure which empowered workers to develop their products. Also, constant communication with all other functions and teams was stressed while training was primarily done while transitioning to IPD. …
Research And Development Project Selection Tools: Probing Wright Laboratory's Project Selection Methods And Decision Criteria Using The Lateral Airfoil Concept, James E. Barger
Theses and Dissertations
This research accomplished three major tasks. First it examined familiarity and usage rates for fifteen published R&D project selection methods in the context of a larger general issue, the Air Force's ability to develop and exploit technology. Wright Laboratory served as the focus for the research effort and displayed a greater tendency to use formal methods in 1993 than was shown in prior research. The laboratory's overall preference for simpler models like Checklist, Scoring, and Sorting led to a recommendation that authors familiar with the other techniques communicate them in engineering and management vernacular. Secondly, the study introduced a technological …
Cost Constrained Improvements To The Military Retirement System, Cynthia A. Brown
Cost Constrained Improvements To The Military Retirement System, Cynthia A. Brown
Theses and Dissertations
This research studies possible changes to the current military retirement system. The current military retirement system refers to the system provided under the Military Reform Act of 1986, A new system is proposed which would provide the retiree with four options. Option 1 would provide a pay annuity and medical benefits to the retiree (this is the current system). Option 2 would provide a pay lump sum in place of the, annuity and would offer medical benefits. Option 3 would offer the pay annuity but give a medical lump sum amount in place of the medical benefit. Finally, option 4 …
Using Animation In The Validation Of Simulation Models, Michael L. Carpenter
Using Animation In The Validation Of Simulation Models, Michael L. Carpenter
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined three aspects of animation (movement, color, and detail of icons) to determine which one (or ones) best communicated the operation of a simulation model. The procedure was done in the context of using animation to establish a model's face validity. Movement, color, and detail of icons were looked at individually and in combination. The ability to communicate was measured both subjectively and objectively. The subjective measures were a selection of best and worst animation types where best and worst referred to how well an animation communicated, and a pairwise comparison of the animation types which resulted in …
Predicting The Productive Capacity Of Air Force Aerospace Ground Equipment Personnel Using Aptitude And Experience Measures, Robert S. Faneuff
Predicting The Productive Capacity Of Air Force Aerospace Ground Equipment Personnel Using Aptitude And Experience Measures, Robert S. Faneuff
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated the effects of mechanical aptitude and job experience on the job performance of 204 Air Force Aerospace Group Equipment (AGE) mechanics. Job performance was expressed as productive capacity (PC), which is derived from estimated performance times on job tasks. PC measures were derived for 50 tasks typically performed by airmen in the specialty. Aptitude measures took the form of Mechanical percentile composite scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). A second-order logistic model was used to regress PC on aptitude and experience at the task level and at the overall job, or aggregate, level. Model …
Modified Anderson-Darling And Cramer-Von Mises Goodness-Of-Fit Tests For The Normal Distribution, David A. Gwinn Sr.
Modified Anderson-Darling And Cramer-Von Mises Goodness-Of-Fit Tests For The Normal Distribution, David A. Gwinn Sr.
Theses and Dissertations
New techniques for calculating goodness-of-fit statistics for normal distributions with parameters estimated from the sample are investigated. Samples are generated for a Normal(0,1) distribution. Critical values are calculated for five modifications to the Anderson-Darling statistic and five modifications to the Cramer-Von Mises statistic. An extensive power study is done to test the power of the new statistics versus the power of the unmodified statistics. Powers of six of the new statistics show minimal to no improvement, two of the new statistics show a marked decrease in power, and two of the new statistics show an overall increase in power over …
Spartan Ii: An Instructional High Resolution Land Combat Model, Edwin H. Harris Jr.
Spartan Ii: An Instructional High Resolution Land Combat Model, Edwin H. Harris Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
This project improved SPARTAN, a high resolution land combat model demonstrator. SPARTAN was originally developed as a hands-on trainer for land combat modeling students because there were no models specifically designed to teach the analysts how the models function. SPARTAN is built to demonstrate the techniques used in the current generation of US Army high resolution models. Like the original, the model is primarily a small scale attrition (both direct and indirect fire) model. The model represents 12 soldiers involved in the following processes: target search, target selection, direct fire engagement, indirect fire engagement, movement, reaction to fire, obstacle breaching, …
A Statistical Analysis Of Terrorism And Instability In Latin America, Juan A. Hurtado
A Statistical Analysis Of Terrorism And Instability In Latin America, Juan A. Hurtado
Theses and Dissertations
In this research the effect of socioeconomic factors on terrorism and government instability in Latin America are studied. A commonly held opinion is that terrorism and instability are caused by repressive conditions. The objective of this research was to generate a methodology to forecast terrorism and instability given certain socioeconomic indicators. This methodology was generated for individual countries, two groups of countries, and a composite developing country. A set of 28 socioeconomic factors were evaluated and reduced based on correlation analysis. Patterns of terrorism and instability were investigated through data analysis and factor analysis. Multiple regression was used to develop …
A Monte Carlo Study Of The Raw And Normal Varimax Rotation Criterion In Factor Analysis, Willam M. Ibinson
A Monte Carlo Study Of The Raw And Normal Varimax Rotation Criterion In Factor Analysis, Willam M. Ibinson
Theses and Dissertations
Factor analysis is a multivariate statistical procedure for analyzing and reducing large data sets. Many factor analysis schemes and techniques are available that lead to strikingly different results from the same data. This research effort used a Monte Carlo approach to investigate the properties of two rotation methods for simple structure, Kaiser's raw and normal varimax criterion. Data sets were developed from a set of contrived experimental factor patterns by multiplying each factor pattern by its transpose to create a covariance matrix. Data sets of multivariate normal deviates were in turn generated from each covariance matrix via the Choleski algorithm. …
Enhancements To The Animated Tutor For Air Combat Simulation, David A. Legge
Enhancements To The Animated Tutor For Air Combat Simulation, David A. Legge
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigates the use of the Ada programming language in combat modeling. It takes an existing combat model, the Animated Tutor for Air Combat Simulation (ATACS), and re-writes it into Ada. The new model also includes enhancements to the original model. ATACS+, as it is now called, is used as a learning tool in combat modeling classes at the Air Force Institute of Technology. ATACS+ consists of a preprocessor and a model, complete with two and three-dimensional graphics and engagement status reports. Conclusion are made about Ada's suitability for combat modeling, some of the features of Ada which can …